Mining the boom in data for new insights and undiscovered relationships has created demand for new software and solutions and both major tech companies and start-ups are looking to take advantage of the emerging trend.

Sensitive, confidential information belonging to major U.S. stock exchanges was at risk of being hacked this year, thanks to an oversight by Securities and Exchange Commission staffers, according to a new Reuters report.

Viacom shares traded higher on Wednesday after the media giant reported better-than-expected earnings, on lower costs. But one problem plaguing the company is a drop in ratings thanks, in part, to DVR viewing.

Spotify has raised about $100m from a group of investors led by Goldman Sachs in a round that puts a $3bn valuation on the company and completes its eight-month search for new funding, according to two people familiar with the situation.

A few months ago, the blogosphere was filled with amazing comparisons of Apple's size to not just other companies — including the combined market caps of Microsoft, Google, Facebook and Amazon at one point — but entire countries and industries as the Things Apple Is Worth More Than tumblr details.

Apple stores are the most productive shops in the US according to new research that suggests the most effective use of retail space is selling expensive products that are occasional purchases for well-off consumers, the FT reports.